Monday Rundown: Pirates Opening Day Anticipation and An Update on the Jordan Miles Case

These topics air Monday March 31, 2014 at noon and 8pm on 90.5 WESA. To leave a question or comment before or after the show dial 412-256-8783. Join the conversation LIVE between 12pm & 1 pm weekdays at 412-246-2002. More Essential Pittsburgh segments can be heard here.

Jordan Miles Civil CaseAfter weeks of testimony, the civil court trial pitting Jordan Miles against three police officers has gone to the jury and a decision is expected this week. The three officers were working in Homewood in January 2010. They are charged with wrongful arrest and use of excessive force in an incident that left then 18-year-old Miles battered. WESA reporter Deanna Garcia has been covering the trial and joins us for an update.

Dry LandFor the first time in two decades, the Pirates finally had a winning baseball season in 2013. What does it mean to the psyche of the city to end the longest consecutive season losing streak in the history of the four major professional North American sports leagues? Writer Charlie Wilmoth attempts to answer that question in his newly published book Dry Land, Winning After 20 Years At Sea With The Pittsburgh Pirates.

Pirates 1960 World Series ArtifactsThe 2014 baseball season opens Monday. Coming off their first winning season in years, hopes are high for the Pirates. An exhibit of one of the greatest moments in the team’s history just opened at the Senator John Heinz History Center. On display are artifacts from Bill Mazeroski’s ninth inning home run, which beat the New York Yankees in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series. We’ll get a preview of the exhibit from Anne Madarasz, Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum co-director.

Bob DvorchakPittsburgh Post-Gazette sportswriter emeritus Bob Dvorchak joins us to talk about opening day for the Pirates. Coming off their first winning season since 1992, what are the Pirates prospects for returning to the post-season? How will the fans react if they don't perform well? Stay tuned for Bob's thoughts on the upcoming season.